Hanaif, of Palestinian descent who now lives in Ansonia, said he’d always wanted to open a sit-down restaurant — he previously owned a deli in New York City — but couldn’t find the right location. Then, on a trip for ice cream in downtown Milford, he drove by the former bookstore at 12 Daniel St.

Hanaif said when he saw the “for rent” sign in the door, he knew he’d found the perfect spot. “I’ve always liked Milford,” he said. “It’s a beautiful city to be in.”

With it’s orange and green decor, including a small lounge-type area, unique crown molding and a colorful chandelier, the restaurant gives off a cozy and upscale vibe. Hanaif said he hopes customers feel at home there.

“I’ve been seeing the same customers every day,” he said. “They keep coming back and we have new customers coming, too. People are being supportive.”

Despite the usual downtown parking woes, Hanaif said Flames has been busy since it opened. He said he initially ordered 800 to-go menus and ran out quickly. “People are starting to talk about us, little by little,” he said.

Besides falafel, a well-known Middle Eastern dish, Hanaif, who is one of three cooks who work in the kitchen, said it was important to him to offer traditional dishes found in that part of the world.

Menu items include shawarma sandwiches, where fresh meats are placed on a vertical spit machine where it is grilled and then served on pita bread or wraps, and tabouli salads, with parsley, tomatoes and mint. The restaurant also offers a sfeeha dish, or meat pie, and spinach pie.

Flames also offers a limited variety of cakes and pastries for dessert. True to its name, however, the restaurant also has American dishes, like the popular Flames Burger.

The establishment does not serve alcohol, but Hanaif said customers are free to bring their own bottles. Flames is now open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, except Sundays, when it closes at 5 p.m. Hanaif said he had initially planned to close Sundays but nixed that idea when he saw a demand for opening that day of the week, as well.

He said he will likely expand its hours on Friday and Saturday nights this summer, as people are out later when the weather is nice.

Mayor Ben Blake, who had lunch at Flames recently, said the restaurant is a great addition to the city’s downtown. “This is great food and the location is something special,” he said. “They did such a nice job with the renovations. It has a great vibe.”